Jikji sees spotlight after half a century in hiding [REWIND 2023]

Korean Heritage

Published: 28 Dec. 2023, 07:06 Updated: 28 Dec. 2023, 10:33

Jikji sees spotlight after half a century in hiding [REWIND 2023]

Jikji inside a showcase at the BnF, or the National Library of France in Paris, for the first time in 50 years in April. [YONHAP] [CULTURAL HERITAGE ADMINISTRATION]

Jikji, the oldest known dated text printed with movable metal type, went on public display for the first time in half a century in Paris this year.

It was displayed from April to July at the National Library of France (BnF)’s exhibition on the history of printing technology. Jikji is a book containing the essentials of Zen Buddhism, printed at Heungdeok Temple in Cheongju in 1377. It predates Europe’s earliest substantial book printed using metal type, the Gutenberg Bible, by 78 years.

Jikji had been hidden among unsorted old documents at the BnF storage until Park Byeong-seon, the late Korean librarian and historian who worked at the BnF from 1967 to 1980, discovered the book in 1972. Unesco in 2001 acknowledged it as the oldest known document to have been printed using metal movable type.

REWIND 2023

In 2023, Korea witnessed a tumultuous year in its entertainment and culture scenes. A drug scandal sent shock waves through the industry, ensnaring luminaries like Yoo Ah-in, G-Dragon and Lee Sun-kyun, with Lee reportedly dying by suicide at the age of 48 on Wednesday. BTS members one by one reported for duty to fulfill their looming military service, and Blackpink decided to stand united as a quartet with YG. The K-pop market grappled with alleged tampering scandals, involving artists Fifty Fifty, EXO, Omega X and soloists like Chuu. K-dramas continued their global reign, with "Moving" on Disney+ and "The Glory" on Netflix ranking among the most viewed shows worldwide. Korean literature earned accolades, with the international recognition of Cheon Myeong-kwan and Han Kang's works. Historic cultural landmarks and treasures also made the news, from vandalized Gyeongbok Palace walls to Jikji's exhibition and Gucci's fashion show in Gyeongbok Palace. Only two Korean films were able to make the 10 million ticket sales mark.

Here are the top 10 culture stories in 2023:

1. Lee Sun-kyun dies by suicide, drug scandal sweeps entertainment scene

2. Bye for now, BTS says

3. Blackpink 'fourever'

4. Cupid's roller coaster ride

5. Streaming services up the ante with hit shows

6. Scribbling on the royal palace walls

7. Fiction books find global acclaim

8. Jikji sees spotlight after half a century in hiding

9. Luxury brands secure their spot in Korea

10. Two films in the 10 million club

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]